Palestinians from Bethlehem and Sri Lankans from Israel filled the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem on 19th November to attend the Holy Mass to bless Sri Lanka and President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his 66th birthday.
This year too, as in the year 2009 and 2010, the Holy Mass was organized by a group headed by Advocate Michele Shomaly and Ms. Nuha Anastas in coordination with the organization of the Sri Lankan groups in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Mayor of Bethlehem Dr. Victor Batarseh and Madam Batarseh graced the occasion along with a large number of distinguish personalities in Bethlehem.
Advocate Michele Shomaly welcoming those present said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa contributed to the Palestinian cause from the time he entered Parliament at the age of 23. He was also the head of the Sri Lanka committee for Solidarity with Palestine for 29 years and now functioning as its Patron. Sri Lanka supported the successful UNESCO bid of Palestine and the UN bid as well. Sri Lanka has also given University scholarships to Palestinian students.
Mr. Shomaly blessed President Rajapaksa for long life and thanked Representative for Sri Lanka in Palestine Dr. T. Jayasinghe for encouraging and assisting the Friends in Sri Lanka in Bethlehem to organize this Holy Mass.
Dr. T. Jayasinghe extended his gratitude to the Mayor of Bethlehem Dr. Victor Batarseh and thanked all present for coming in such large numbers on this occasion.
The Holy Mass was conducted by Fr. Ibrahim Shomaly.
It was followed by a reception.
Representative Office of Sri Lanka
Palestinian National Authority
21.11.2011
